Council asks staff to draft downtown entertainment‑district ordinance to support festivals and airshow

Summary

Council members signaled support for drafting an ordinance to create a downtown entertainment district covering parts of D and E streets and a portion of Highland to permit limited event open‑container areas and street closures for festivals; no vote was taken — staff were asked to return with a draft.

City staff presented a study‑session proposal to create a downtown entertainment district to support festivals, encourage business activity and provide guardrails for event operations.

Mister Benavides introduced the idea, describing a proposed footprint roughly encompassing E Street, D Street and a section of Highland adjacent to downtown. He said the proposal aims to formalize rules for specific events, close streets for festivals and allow alcohol consumption within defined event areas for limited occasions tied to downtown activities and next March’s airshow.

Council members asked for additional scope and examples from other cities, and several members asked staff to consult police, public works and the Chamber of Commerce when drafting the ordinance. During public comment, Mister Walker representing the Chamber urged staff to engage existing community partners, saying the Chamber would like to be part of the conversation.

Outcome: Council indicated by nods and comments that they wanted staff to draft an ordinance for council consideration; no ordinance was introduced or voted on at the Dec. 16 meeting.